Texas Rangers Lose Derek Holland, Starting Pitcher Placed On 15-Day Disabled List

OAKLAND, Calif. – Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland won’t be lending his left-hand to the teams roster for a a few weeks after the team placed him on the 15-day disabled list with left shoulder fatigue.

Taking over Holland’s spot from the bullpen will be Alexi Ogando.

Being called up from Triple-A Round Rock to fill in for Holland’s open position is right-handed reliever Tanner Scheppers.

Holland announced on Wednesday that a stomach ailment caused him to lose 15 pounds in the last 2½ weeks which in turn caused his velocity to drop.

Replacing Holland with Ogando was a no-brainer after the All-Star selection last season started 29 games with a 13-8 record and a 3.51 ERA.

Through an interpreter Ogando said:

“The transition (to starter) is not a big deal. It’s just getting an opportunity to come in and start, which is something I like to do.”

Ogando believes he can manage 60 to 70 pitches as a starter. Manager Ron Washington says of his new started:

“We’ll see how far he can take us. We’ll know more after his first time out there and we’ll know more how far we can push him next time he takes the ball. If he pounds the strike zone and makes them swing the bat and gets some quick outs and gets us through five we’ll be happy.”

The Texas Rangers have not had much luck with starting pitchers over the last few weeks, already placing Neftali Feliz on the disabled list with a sprained ligament in his throwing elbow, an injury that could keep him out of play through the All-Star break.

Holland is 5-4 on the season wtih a 5.10 ERA in 12 games with 11 starts.